Politician defends Columbia Three verdict delay

THE Vice President of Colombia yesterday launched a vigorous defence of his country, where three Irishmen are still being held in prison awaiting a verdict eight months after their trial finished.

Francisco Santos told campaigners for the men’s’ release and politicians that Colombia was a democracy with an independent judiciary.

Members of the Oireachtas Foreign Affairs Committee quizzed Mr Santos on the delay in the delivery of a verdict on three Irishmen accused of assisting left wing guerrillas in Colombia.